improved so much since , and I think I will continue to get better .
What keeps you pushing through and past the challenges it brings ? My faith . I know that God is still working in me , and I believe my progress will continue , so the successes I ’ ve already had keep me going . There is a lot out of my control , so I take control of what I can , and I give the rest to God . He ’ s surrounded me with so many great people who push and encourage me . One neat thing is finding MANE ( Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians ). I am a big proponent of its therapy using horses ; it ’ s really helping people like me . I ’ ve participated in the therapy and have also been able to give back to MANE . I think a lot of people here are unaware of its amazing work , so if I can give a voice to what they are doing , that ’ s a win . Things like that keep me believing I am where I am supposed to be . It ’ s not what I had in mind ; it wasn ’ t my plan , but I know it is right .
How did your time as an athletic trainer at UA impact you ? I loved getting to travel around the country and loved fostering relationships with all the players and the staff . God ’ s favor was on me at that time for sure ; I formed friendships that mean so much . To this day , I still lean on some of those relationships .
What motivated you to write your book , “ The Crimson Dream ,” about that experience ? Honestly ? Boredom . I knew I had some great , positive stories at Bama that folks would find interesting , some behind-the-scenes stuff . And I felt my perspective as support staff would be a bit different from things written by past players or coaches . So , when I was at therapy in Birmingham , I started writing down what I ’ d learned and done as a way to kill time . I really didn ’ t know at first that it would turn into a whole book .
What would you say to encourage others dealing with a disability ? Don ’ t give up . It ’ s cliche but true . And it ’ s simple but also hard . Those with disabilities can get so down ; some even see suicide as an option , but that ’ s an eternal solution to a temporary issue . Surround yourself with people who are in your corner , who support you and who you can really , honestly talk to . And remember something I ’ ve learned : Everyone is dealing with something . It may not be as obvious as my struggle , but they are . Continued on page 62
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